Acclaimed architect André Fu reimagines the iconic Waldorf Astoria legacy for Japan
OSAKA, Japan – Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the first Waldorf Astoria in Japan, marks a new benchmark in hospitality-driven architecture in one of Asia’s most captivating cities. Throughout its history, Waldorf Astoria has redefined the skyline of the world’s greatest cities – from the legendary flagship in New York to its landmark properties across the globe. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect André Fu, Waldorf Astoria Osaka further evolves the architectural legacy once more, blending the brand’s timeless design philosophy with the spirit of modern Japan.
Fu’s design juxtaposes and harmonizes the contrasts of Osaka’s historic castles and temples with its sleek contemporary skyscrapers, weaving together Art Deco grandeur and meticulous Japanese craftsmanship to fuse the identities of the brand and the destination.
“The aesthetic of Waldorf Astoria New York is central to the brand’s heritage, reflecting its timeless elegance and iconic legacy,” says Fu. “Recognizing how this architectural period resonates within Osaka’s context, I sought to reinterpret Art Deco sensibilities with a fresh perspective, blending textures, colors, and forms to create a design that feels distinctly rooted in its locale yet unmistakably Waldorf Astoria.”
Modern Osaka Art Deco
Fu’s vision for Waldorf Astoria Osaka reflects a meticulous interplay of cultures and eras, where the refined geometry and sculptural forms of Art Deco are reimagined through a distinctly Japanese lens. Drawing inspiration from Yodoko Guest House, an Art Deco-style residence designed in 1918 by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Fu integrates layered symmetry, rhythmic patterns, and masterful craftsmanship to create an immersive spatial experience.
Throughout the hotel, Waldorf Astoria’s historic design codes are subtly woven into every detail of the guest experience, from custom-designed amenities to the smallest thoughtful details. From expansive windows framing panoramic skyline views to warm natural tones and bespoke furnishings, Waldorf Astoria Osaka embodies the refined comfort of a private residence. This thoughtful fusion of influences not only honors the brand’s storied legacy but also reinterprets it with a fresh, contemporary perspective, creating a design that feels both timeless and new.
“Hilton is proud to collaborate once again with André Fu, whose visionary design brings a fresh perspective to Waldorf Astoria’s timeless elegance,” said Candice D’Cruz, vice president, Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “As the first Waldorf Astoria in Japan, this landmark hotel embodies the brand’s storied heritage and Osaka’s rich cultural narrative. From the bespoke furnishings to the thoughtful spatial design, every detail reflects a commitment to effortless luxury, creating an unparalleled experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition and distinctly modern.”
The Arrival
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by Fu’s interpretation of a traditional Japanese pavilion, an interlocking framework that subtly hints at the distinctive cultural heritage of Osaka. Inside, a dramatic visual dialogue unfolds, featuring a monumental ceramic sculpture by Japanese artist Jun Kaneko and a sprightly canvas painting by Manika Nagare. These works of art, with their bold colors and dynamic forms, create an atmosphere that is at once vibrant and serene.
Rising up to Level 29, guests will be greeted by The Pavilion, formed with oak posts, bronze screens and a diagrid Art Deco styled pattern. Alongside a curated retail selection of local gifts and design products, a soaring nine-meter-high panoramic window offers breathtaking 180-degree views of Osaka.
A cinematic 20-metre-long-passageway, The Arcade recalls the original arcade at Waldorf Astoria New York and is lined with layered timber archways, bronze frames and wall-mounted shoji lanterns to create the captivating illusion of endless depth. At the far end, two glasshouses feature poetic Tsubaki trees symbolizing love, fortune and protection.
The Lantern, a theatrical seven-meter-high rotunda, represents the glowing heart of the hotel and marks the culmination of the arrival journey. Over 300 vertical timber posts create a cylindrical volume around a five-meter circular water feature, capturing and reflecting light to paint an evocative dreamscape.
Dramatically Different Restaurants & Bars
Inspired by the original bar in New York where the glamorous gather to see and be seen, Fu creates an enamoring spatial experience for Osaka’s Peacock Alley, the hotel’s lobby lounge. The triple-height ceilings are elegantly adorned with four grand chandeliers, each composed of multiple layers of fluted, hyperbolic glowing shades inspired by the vibrant Tenjin Matsuri festival. At the center stands a striking wood and bronze clock – a defining feature of Waldorf Astoria hotels around the world.
Plush seating in mineral turquoise, deep mauve and salmon orange lends warmth and comfort, while intricate marble mosaic flooring depicting peacock feathers, and bronze mirror panels stir sensations of Old New York glamour.
Discreetly adjacent to Peacock Alley, the charismatic and intimate Canes & Tales, inspired by a speakeasy bar, tastefully combines vintage charm with contemporary flair. Its centerpiece is a striking runway-shaped marble bar, surrounded by rich sensory details like hand-painted tiles depicting Osaka maps, and bold emerald-green framed ceilings. Seductive burnt orange velvet table lamps and an eclectic mix of terra cotta and mango hued furniture evoke the atmosphere of a lush vintage boudoir, while the al fresco terrace offers a perfect view of Osaka skyline.
Jolie Brasserie is a modern French brasserie reimagined through a contemporary Japanese lens. Set on the 29th floor with sweeping views and housed within an airy glasshouse, Jolie Brasserie captures the spirit of a modern Japanese tea pavilion in the sky that has been transformed by an imagined persona into a contemporary salon of bistro flair. Materials such as natural oak, leather banquettes in amber and mud orange, mosaic flooring and elegant brass pendant fixtures create a sense of authenticity foundational to Fu’s aesthetic.
A Refined and Relaxed Haven
Fu’s design for Waldorf Astoria Osaka’s 252 guest rooms continues the hotel’s design narrative of balance, blending the warmth of a grand residence with the intimacy of a private retreat. Elements of Japanese craftsmanship are seamlessly integrated, from kumiko screens and painted washi panels to shoji lampshades and interlocking timber frames. The Matsunoha symbol, representing longevity and prosperity, is subtly embedded into bed frames – a detail that bridges cultural reverence with contemporary refinement. Throughout the rooms, high-gloss lacquer in rich hues of sage green and indigo blue reflects shifting daylight, while tactile bouclé textiles add warmth and depth. A palette of caramel yellow, jade green, and cobalt blue adds visual contrast, creating a rhythm that changes with the light, ensuring the space feels as dynamic as the city outside.
Designed as a quiet sanctuary, the Waldorf Astoria Spa adopts a harmonious palette of mud paint, shoji paper, crackled glass and bronze, offering a series of uniquely crafted spaces inspired by traditional Japanese ryokans. Treatment rooms, hot springs, steam rooms and saunas are all configured in a unique diamond-shaped layout that translates traditional Japanese thermal rituals into modern context. The central 20-metre-long swimming pool area is a minimalist sanctuary crowned by an intriguing, pitched roof that creates a sky bungalow, providing a tranquil escape within the vibrant cityscape.
Legendary Events and Captivating Views
Approximately 1,000 square metres of elegantly designed event spaces create an unforgettable setting for exquisite celebrations big and small. The Grand Ballroom embodies a refined sensibility, where poetic proportions and harmonious layering of textures and sculptural detailing create an atmosphere of timeless celebration. The Chapel is an immaculate 9.5-metre-high sculptural space delightfully modern in spirit, possessing a stunning vaulted ceiling interwoven with a matrix of monumental columns that capture a ceremonial quality. A grand 5.1-metre-wide centerpiece chandelier is suspended high above, creating the illusion of floating pillar candles.
A New Architectural Benchmark for Japan
More than a hotel, Waldorf Astoria Osaka stands as an architectural landmark – one that redefines the intersection of global luxury and Japanese craftsmanship. Through Fu’s meticulous craftsmanship, a dialogue between Art Deco grandeur and Japanese precision emerges, creating a space where design is not just seen but felt, where every detail – from reimagined Art Deco inspired furnishings to the allure of a glowing lantern – is imbued with intent and meaning.
As the skyline of Osaka continues to evolve, Waldorf Astoria Osaka will endure as an icon of hospitality, design, and cultural exchange, above all else.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka is located at GRAND GREEN OSAKA South Building, 5-54 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan.
Read more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts here.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,600 properties and nearly 1.3 million rooms, in 139 countries and territories.Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 218 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X,LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of 36 iconic properties, each embodying a distinct sense of place through sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences, and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. Waldorf Astoria New York is now open, marking a defining moment for the brand, reintroducing a legend while ushering in a new era of luxury. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, the famous Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking atwaldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honorsmembers who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts atstories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on X and Instagram.
//About André Fu Studi//o
//André Fu Studio// is an internationally acclaimed design studio in Hong Kong, founded by interior architect André Fu. With a global collective of projects that span scales and typologies, the studio continuously bridges the gap between cultures, drawing as naturally on European principles of beauty as from Oriental qualities, traditions, and modernity to create experiences that exude Fu’s language of ‘relaxed luxury.’//
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His seemingly effortless creations range from a unique furniture collaboration with Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades collection to major hotels and restaurants around the world for leading brands including Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and Waldorf Astoria Osaka.//
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In 2014, Assouline published ‘André Fu’, presenting 15 of the designer’s inspirational spaces while 2022 has also seen the publication of a new hardback monograph titled ‘Crossing Cultures with Design’, a collaboration with Thames //& Hudson. The book explores Fu’s defining influences, the development of his unique aesthetic and its relevance on the international design stage. In 2019, he successfully launched André Fu Living with a holistic collection of lifestyle products that reflect his signature modern style.//